Terrain improvements promise exciting winter for Mt Hutt

Canterbury’s Mt Hutt ski area is on track for
another exciting winter thanks to the re-instatement of a
new-look Triple Chair, the introduction of a new terrain
park further up the mountain and trail improvements.

The
second stage concrete pour for the lift foundations was
completed by helicopter yesterday (February 24, 2014) in
near perfect flying conditions with a further 70 tonnes of
concrete due to be poured over the course of this
week.

The Triple Chair was out of action at the ski area
last winter after an avalanche damaged the bottom station
following record snowfall in late June.

Work to rebuild
the chairlift began pre-Christmas with significant progress
already made -- the damaged structure has been removed,
extensive earthworks carried out and the first stages of
re-construction are well underway.

Mt Hutt ski area
manager James McKenzie said it was “another exciting
step” towards getting the Triple Chair back up and
running.

“The foundation mesh cages are constructed and
have been lowered into position, the first stage of concrete
pouring is complete and the new retaining wall is
finished,” he said.

”We’re now waiting for our
terminal structure to arrive which is currently being built
in Doppelmayr’s Swiss and Austrian factories.”

A new
layout and approach to the load area will make it easier for
guests to get onto the lift enabling a reduced journey
time.

“The new ‘get-on’ point will be slightly
further forward, enabling straight loading from the back of
the lift instead of making a tricky 90-degree turn in front
of an approaching chair,” said Mr McKenzie.

“This will
then mean fewer stop/starts and we also expect to be able to
at a slightly faster speed which will be good all round for
skiers and boarders.

“The next stage is to install the
operator hut and a new haul rope, connect the power, and
load the chairs.”

The lift will then undergo extensive
testing and commissioning by Doppelmayr technicians.

Work
is scheduled to be completed towards the end of May and the
lift will be a welcome return for many excited skiers and
snowboarders eager to enjoy terrain not easily accessible
last season.

Other exciting new developments planned for
Mt Hutt for the 2014 season include a new terrain park near
the top of the mountain between Morning Glory and Wiley’s
Way.

“Our “Sky High” terrain park will be excellent
introduction to freestyle skiing and boarding, making this
element of our sport more accessible and less intimidating
for those wanting to give it a go,” said Mr McKenzie
.

“There will be two lines of features about 120m long
with a mix of jumps, rails and boxes, with a focus on
progression before heading into our larger terrain parks
further down the mountain.”

The trail network around the
new terrain park has been widened for ease of access to and
from the park, as well improvements carried out to the
beginning of the advanced run Virgin Mile to minimise
congestion.

Mt Hutt celebrated 40 years in operation last
year and attracts visitors from all over the world as well
as its loyal Cantabrian fans.

Skiers and snowboarders have
until March 20, 2014 to purchase their season passes at the
early bird rate. Season pass prices are unchanged from 2013
at $699 for adults, $549 for students and $299 for youths
and seniors. Kids 10 years and under receive a free lift
pass.

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